Who meets Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad these days, feels through his conversation with his Lebanese visitors that he is more than ever convinced that the “world war” waged on Syria for 23 months now “has failed”.

Nabil Haitham - As-Safir Newspaper

Who meets Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad these days, feels through his conversation with his Lebanese visitors that he is more than ever convinced that the “world war” waged on Syria for 23 months now “has failed”.

Maybe, the cause of this Syrian conviction “is not just the failure of attempts to target the Syrian army, the achievements it attained, its continued control, and the public support, which the “Public National Army” forms its main pillar. It is rather the devastation prevailing the other groups, that are trying to compensate by elevating media campaigns, fabricating false victories, and setting new dates for the regime fall (the last date set was the coming June). This comes, as the retreat in the American stance is no longer a secret, so is the Arab and Turkish confusion, and the armed groups’ loss of control.

Al-Assad’s visitors hear the following: “Where have we been, and where are we now… We are certain that tomorrow is ours. We don’t take, ask, or beg for our strength from anyone. Syria has the will of victory over conspiracy. Even though we are certain of our definiteness in triumphing, and we are confident of the political and military achievements, this doesn’t mean that everything is over, as we still have plenty of work in politics and in confronting the terrorist and Takfiri groups.”

Al-Assad tackles the field of reforms and says, “here, there is wrong that should be corrected. There are corrupters, but they are not “everyone”. In contrast there are capacities, nobles, and loyal ones, and they are the base and majority of Syrians. Could anyone explain how the Syrian diplomatic body around the world stayed coherent for two years, despite seductions the ambassadors, consuls, and employees from all levels were exposed to? Millions of dollars were offered to them, but they rejected them and were satisfied with what they had, and this is the biggest evidence on the true Syrian patriotism.”

When visitors of Damascus ask about the chances of a political settlement, the answer is that others “are rushing towards terms like “settlement” to restore their dignity. For Syria, a political process is not a “settlement”, a dialogue should rather take place, and Syria extends its hand to all Syrian elements concerned about Syria, its people, unity, and the regaining of its elements of power.”

Moreover, if this crisis is occupying the Syrian leadership, Palestine is still the compass. Here, Assad says: “Palestine is our cause, and it will stay so, and let some Arabs and even Palestinians abandon it. Syria will stay firm in its stance and position. It did not vie in generosity with its stance, but was rather taking actions based on principles, even if this coasted it a very high price, it is still adherent to its choices.”

Damascus visitors also sense that Lebanon occupies an advanced position in the Syrian leadership’s agenda, as they come out with the following impressions:

First, Syria had never wanted to be stabbed from its Lebanese sides, and from those who once considered it their safeguard. The size of the moral pain Syria is suffering from the Lebanese side almost exceeds the size of pain and harm it got from Turkey.

Second, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi’s visit to Syria left a good influence in Assad; especially that it addressed the Syrian sentiment in one of the toughest stages. Hence, this initiative by “the brave Patriarch who forms an element of national balance in Lebanon” deserved Syria’s high appreciation.

Third, what brings regret, is that the Syrian crisis “let the hurt Syrian country know the friend from the enemy, whether in Lebanon or elsewhere, just like it revealed that the Lebanese who took advantage of Syria all these years and its worst enemies. In contrast, it appeared that there are other factions that did not take advantage of Syria in the past, yet they proved through this crisis that they are concerned with Syria and the Syrian people’s blood.”

Fourth, Syria meets loyalty with loyalty, and it highly appreciates everyone who is concerned about it, in Lebanon, and had stood in solidarity with its distress.

Fifth, Syria was not surprised with the transformation of some “positions” and Lebanese figures. In contrast, it understands the circumstances around all its allies and friends in Lebanon, “and the reasons behind some parts’ silence are clear for us. However, we don’t want to embarrass any Lebanese part, neither with a stance, nor with anything else. These are only supposed to stand in the right position, no more, no less.”

Translated by Sara Taha Moughnieh

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